Alpha GPC (L-Alpha Glycerylphosphorylcholine, choline alfoscerate) is a choline source derived from soy or sunflower lecithin. It’s also found naturally in tiny amounts within the body.
Alpha GPC is more bioavailable than other sources of choline to provide brain health benefits. Contrary to choline citrate and choline bitartrate, it is able to cross the blood brain barrier. This is what makes Alpha GPC a preferred choline source for experts Nootropic users.
Alpha GPC is a precursor to the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is essential.
Alpha GPC helps:
- Brain Energy. Alpha GPC improves mood, and increases mental energy. The added choline may increase the clarity and alertness of your thoughts.
- Neurotransmitters. Alpha GPC is prized for its capacity to boost memory. Its bioavailability is high, which is a fantastic source of choline to produce the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine.
- Brain Optimization. Alpha GPC boosts the development of new brain cells. It also enhances the brain’s capacity in repairing damaged membranes of cells.
Table of Contents
Alpha GPC Uses: Overview
Alpha GPC is a kind of choline produced in tiny amounts within your body. It can also be gotten by eating organ meats, wheat germ and dairy products.
Choline is regarded as to be an important nutrient since the body utilizes it more quickly than it could create it, you require additional choline, either through food or as a supplement.
Choline is required to produce the neurotransmitter Acetylcholine. It also helps to make the phosphatidylcholine (PC), used to build cell membranes.
Alpha GPC Sleep
Choline is so essential in cognitive function as well as neuron function that, without it, we wouldn’t be able to be able to think, move, sleep , or even remember anything.
Alpha-GPC Growth Hormone
Alpha GPC is a component of the body. It also aids in the production of the human growth hormone. Athletes utilize it to boost their performance and also to build muscles. It boosts energy levels for training and faster recuperation. [i]
We’ll discuss the way Alpha GPC affects your brain health and the chemistry.
Alpha GPC vs. CDP-Choline Vs. Choline Bitartrate: What’s the difference?
Choline is a nutrient that is water-soluble and its composition is comparable with Vitamin B. Alpha GPC, CDP-Choline, Choline Citrate and Choline Bitartrate are all the sources of choline.
CDP-Choline (cytidine 5′-diphosphocholine): Is only about 18% choline by weight. The body naturally synthesizes choline to form the CDP-Choline (Citicoline). Then it is converted into the phosphatidylcholine (PC) that helps cell membranes and aids in the creation of Acetylcholine.
Choline Bitartrate
A low-cost type of choline that is approximately 40% choline by weight. Thus, 1 Gram of Choline Bitartrate offers 400 mg of Choline. It isn’t able to traverse the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, you won’t get the same amount of nootropic benefits like Alpha GPC or CDP-Choline.
Alpha GPC approximately 40% choline in weight and is able to cross the blood brain barrier. Alpha GPC is naturally present in the brain as a byproduct of the phosphatidylcholine (PC). If your brain requires more choline and the choline in your brain is low It is broken down PC in cell membranes. It also transforms the PC into Alpha GPC.
The brain and body love it when you utilize Alpha GPC. Since it doesn’t need to eat the cells of its own to gain more Choline.
What is Alpha GPC Work in the Brain?
Alpha GPC boosts brain health and function in a variety of ways. Two of them are notable.
- Alpha GPC boosts acetylcholine which is a neurotransmitter linked to memory and overall brain function. Alpha GPC is a precursor to Acetylcholine. Enhancing the effectiveness of communication among neurons within your brain. The increase in neural signals improves memory and learning, cognitive processing and mental clarity.
A study conducted in one of the centers, where 32 healthy participants were given one of two options: the Alpha GPC or placebo in an initial treatment. After 10 days, they were given the drug scopolamine to cause amnesia. Researchers found Alpha GPC was able to stop the loss of memory and attention typically caused by the scopolamine. [ii]
The researchers found the memory functions in healthy young people can be improved to a level. It is as easy as using Alpha GPC as a supplement.
- Alpha GPC directly impacts development of cell membranes within the cerebral cortex. The outer layer of neural tissue, also known as ” gray matter” is the center of information processing in your brain. It regulates motor function and organization, as well as personality making plans and even the ability to touch. [iii]
In the journal Clinical Therapeutics Researchers conducted a double-blind placebo-controlled study with people with mild or moderate dementia. 400 mg capsules were given three times a every day over a period of 180 days. The results of this study revealed a steady improvement in the condition of dementia patients who received Alpha GPC. [ivIV
What happens when things go wrong
As we age the brain’s chemical chemistry and metabolism of energy changes.
- Recall, reaction time and mood decrease
- Brain cell membranes degenerate
- Acetylcholine levels decline[v]
- The growth factor for nerves within the brain decreases.
All of these changes associated with aging contribute to neurodegenerative illnesses of aging which include Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
Even if you’re not worried about the effects of ageing, Alpha GPC can help.
Alpha GPC benefits
Studies from hundreds of studies has shown the following: Alpha GPC will:
- Enhance memory and improve learning abilities [viImprove memory and learning ability [vi
- Improve the bioavailability Acetylcholine [vii].
- Restore and increase the number of the growth of nerve receptors in the brain [viiiRestore and boost nerve growth factor receptors in the brain [viii
- Growth hormones are a major contributor to growth across all age groups [ixIncrease growth hormones in all age groups [ix
- Enhance cognitive performance and improve memory in patients with Alzheimer’s disease [xx
Alpha GPC is water-soluble and rapidly enters your brain once you have taken it. Once inside your brain, it improves signal transmission and also protects neurons.
Alpha GPC improves your brain functioning and learning process by directly increasing the synthesis and release of Acetylcholine. Your body is calling to it.
This type of choline does not function as a precursor for the phosphatidylcholine (PC) however it is an an metabolite that PC uses. This means that once PC is broken down and removed from its fat acids, the only thing left are Alpha GPC.
Instead of searching the brain’s membranes to find Alpha GPC, you give it precisely the kind of choline it’s looking for.
What does Alpha GPC feel?
If you are having trouble getting up in the morning, consider coffee with 400 mg of Alpha GPC. Instead of the usual high sugar breakfast, a high carbohydrate one.
Alpha GPC can be a excellent way to increase your energy. It is best to take it for 45 minutes prior to you exercise.
Alpha GPC helps with memory, mental performance, mood and energy. Its brain-supporting properties and capacity to provide acetylcholine fuel to the brain cells will improve cognitive abilities in all ages and gender categories.
Alpha GPC Clinical Research
Researchers in one research study demonstrated the fact that Alpha GPC had positive effects in boosting the human growth hormone. [xiThe study also showed that Alpha GPC had positive effects on human growth hormone.
Alpha GPC Dopamine
Another study demonstrated an rise in the production of dopamine. [xiiDopamine is a neurotransmitter that can be released. This is especially important in demonstrating Alpha GPC can help those who suffer from dopamine deficiency. and alleviating symptoms of depressive disorder as well as Parkinson’s Disease.
Alpha GPC Facilitates Learning and Memory
A current study demonstrates Alpha GPC improving memory and focus. This research shows Alpha GPC increasing the effectiveness of pairing it with donepezil (acetylcholinesterase inhibitor).
Much better than taking donepezil by itself.
In rats, Alpha GPC boosted learning and memory. It boosted brain energy processes and reduced structural changes caused by age in the cerebral cortex. [xiii] [xiv[xiv]
Alpha GPC Alzheimer’s
Thirteen clinical trials have been published that involved the totality of 4,054 Alzheimer’s patients, consistently demonstrated Alpha GPC: [xvThe Alpha GPC was found to be [xv
- Increased attention and memory
- Improved recovery for stroke patients
- The symptoms that are associated with acute cerebrovascular disease.
- It is far more efficient than using choline or lecithin to treat disease
Alpha GPC Dose
Alpha GPC is approximately 40% choline in weight. Thus, 1000 mg Alpha GPC provides approximately 400 mg of Choline.
- Alpha GPC suggested dosage for cognitive benefits is between 400 and 1,200 mg daily.
- The recommended dosage for athletic training Alpha GPC is 400 mg early in the morning. Then, another dose of 400 mg 15 to 30 minutes prior to exercising.
- Treatment for clinical conditions of Alzheimer’s Disease, dementia and other cognitive disorders. The dosage is up to 1,200 mg daily.
For greater doses, divide your daily Alpha GPC total into 2 or 3 doses daily. For instance 1,200 mg could be taken at 400 mg at one period of.
Alpha-GPC Side Effects
Alpha GPC is produced naturally within the body. It is therefore considered to be well-tolerated and secure.
The effects of the drug are not common but may include headaches, fatigue nausea, nervousness, diarrhea and digestive issues. It is usually a sign that there is excessive levels of choline in your body.
Since Alpha GPC causes an energy increase in many neurohackers, be sure to avoid taking Alpha GPC at night. You may also have trouble sleeping.
Alpha GPC Withdrawal
The effects of Alpha GPC withdrawals on the brain can be devastating. It can cause a person to have a negative mood, difficulty concentrating on tasks, and difficulty speaking.
Alpha GPC is a natural supplement that is used to reduce or prevent muscle spasms in people with multiple sclerosis and other neurological diseases. In some cases it may be prescribed for seizures, Alzheimer’s disease, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and dementia.
The effects of Alpha GPC withdrawal are dependent on the dose being taken before discontinuing supplementation or intake. People who are taking doses of 500mg or less will notice significant withdrawal symptoms within 72 hours after discontinuing the supplement.
Type of Alpha GPC to buy
Since Alpha GPC tends to liquefy between 99 and 100 percent, several suppliers offer 50 percent Alpha GPC powder combined with 50 percent of fillers like silicon dioxide. Adjust your dosage accordingly.
Alpha GPC is made from sunflower lecithin or soy. If you’re trying to eliminate soy from your diet, search for Alpha GPC that is “no soy” or labeled as being derived by sunflower lecithin.
Alpha GPC 400 – 1,200 mg per day
I would recommend Alpha GPC as a nootropic supplement.
Your body produces Alpha GPC on its own. It is also a result of the food you consume. However, studies have revealed that there isn’t enough amount of choline from foods in our modern food habits.
Alpha GPC is especially helpful for people suffering from cognitive decline due to age. Research has shown that it can stop or reverse the process of brain degeneration, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, and other cognitive diseases. Particularly in the early and middle stages of Alzheimer’s Disease.
We recommend beginning with 400 mg per day. Also, Alpha GPC is a great supplement to any stack that includes any of the nootropics in the racetam family. Anything that increases in the amount of acetylcholine absorbed by your brain.
It is essential to supply your brain the necessary choline it’s needing. It could be that it is stealing the brain cells of your own for more Acetylcholine. The signs that you’re not getting enough Choline include headaches.
Utilize Alpha GPC at a ratio of 1:4. For instance, 400mg of Alpha GPC to 1,600 mg of a racetam such as piracetam.
Cognitive disorders that are a result of age, such as Alzheimer’s might require increasing the dosage to 1,200 mg daily.